The following are typical fertilizers that can be used to satisfy the nutrient requirements of your garden. If the particular fertilizer is not available, choose a fertilizer close to the prescribed fertilizer and use the Fertilizer Calculator to determine how much nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium the fertilizer you choose applies.

Desired fertilizer ratio - 1:1:1

Example 1. Manufactured Fertilizer: Apply 12-12-12 fertilizer at 20 pounds per 1000 sq ft before planting and till into soil. Make a second application of 12-12-12 fertilizer at 10 pounds per 1000 sq ft 3 weeks after plants emerge and till in between the rows.

Option 1 Characteristics: More readily available for plant uptake, more concentrated form of nutrients, generally less expensive per pound of fertilizer nutrient.

OR

Example 2. Manufactured Fertilizer: Apply 5-5-5 fertilizer at 48 pounds per 1000 sq ft before planting and till into soil. Make a second application of 5-5-5 fertilizer at 24 pounds per 1000 sq ft 3 weeks after plants emerge and till in between the rows.

OR

Example 3. Natural Organic Fertilizer: Apply 2-2-2 fertilizer at 119.99 pounds per 1000 sq ft before planting and till into soil. Make a second application of 2-2-2 fertilizer at 59.99 pounds per 1000 sq ft 3 weeks after plants emerge and till in between the rows.

Option 3 Characteristics: Nutrients released more slowly, can be more expensive if high fertilizer rates are needed, and can supply organic matter.

Notes:
Approximate conversion of lb of nutrient needed to cups of nutrient needed: Ground limestone (1 lb = 1 1/2 cups); Most complete fertilizers (such as 12-12-12, 1 lb = 2 1/4 cups); Urea (46-0-0, 1 lb = 2 1/2 cups).

It is recommended that compost be applied each year to the soil after harvest and tilled in. For every 100 pounds of leaf/grass compost applied per 1000 sq ft of garden area your fertilizer rate can be reduced by 1/10.

Your potassium soil test level is very low. In addition to the fertilizer suggested above, apply 5 lb 0-0-60 (or 14 lb 0-0-24) fertilizer per 1000 square feet in the fall and till in

Organic matter in your soil is 4.5%. Your soil has an adequate level of organic matter. Annual addition of 2-3" of compost can help maintain soil organic matter and reduce the amount of commercial fertilizer you need to apply. After 3 years rate can be reduced by 1/2.

No lime needed.